Top 10 USDA Organic Crimes

I’ve always said that the organic seal is the best guide to good food when you can’t talk to the farmer directly. I still say that, and I mean it.

If you follow the work we do at Cornucopia, you know we’re vocal watchdogs of organic policy because we want to ensure a level playing field for family-scale farmers.

And we want to ensure that consumers can trust the authenticity of the organic label, meaning humane animal husbandry, environmental stewardship, and fair treatment for farmers.

Your partnership assures Cornucopia’s continuing rigorous oversight.

That’s why I want you to know about the letter (PDF) we wrote last week requesting an independent audit of the USDA National Organic Program. I want everyone who cares about good food and farms to know about the corruption that is happening.

That audit request letter details ten ways the National Organic Program is acting illegally or unethically:

Not stopping organic commerce from known factory-farms

Allowing “organic” poultry production without outdoor access for birds

Allowing extraordinarily obvious conflicts-of-interest among members of the National Organic Standards Board

Appointing agribusiness employees to farmers’ seats on the board

Allowing incompetent organic certifiers to audit themselves

Failing to investigate public complaints against incompetent certifiers

Thank you for caring as much as I do about the promise of organic and local foods! Together, we can do this!

Mark A. Kastel Codirector The Cornucopia Institute

P.S. The USDA would like us—you, me, and everyone who cares about good food and farms—to go away, quietly. Please, help underwrite the work that shines a spotlight on organic industry and policy corruption. Make a donation today in any amount at Cornucopia.org/donate. Thank you!

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